New Delhi, 05 February (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake an official two-day visit to Malaysia on February 7-8. This marks his third trip to the country and the first since India-Malaysia bilateral ties were elevated to 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' status in August 2024.

According to the Foreign Ministry, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with his counterpart Anwar Ibrahim during the visit. He will also engage with the Indian community, as well as industry and trade representatives. Coinciding with the visit, the 10th India-Malaysia CEO Forum will convene.

In a special pre-visit press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry Secretary (former) Periyasamy Kumaran noted that PM Modi missed the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia last year due to prior commitments, participating virtually instead and promising Anwar Ibrahim a visit in early 2026.

Kumaran emphasized that the upcoming trip, occurring within 18 months of partnership elevation, underscores India's firm commitment to Malaysia—a key Act East Policy partner. Both nations are working to expand bilateral trade sustainably; discussions will cover a joint review of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.

Collaboration on infrastructure projects like railways and renewable energy is on the agenda, alongside expanding scholarships and establishing the Thiruvalluvar Indian Studies Centre.

India and Malaysia share deep historical, civilizational, and cultural bonds, with Malaysia hosting the world's third-largest Indian diaspora (2.9 million).The Foreign Ministry highlighted that India-Malaysia relations are multifaceted and evolving.

PM Modi's visit offers both leaders an opportunity to review bilateral cooperation spanning trade and investment, defence, security, maritime ties, digital and financial technology, energy, healthcare, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges—while outlining future collaboration for mutual benefit.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar